Surprising sweetener: the hidden honey in your candy corn

Candy corn, the iconic sweet treat that heralds the arrival of fall, has been a beloved confection for generations. Its vibrant colors and sugary sweetness bring joy to people of all ages. But does this beloved candy contain the golden nectar of honey?

The Ingredients of Candy Corn

To answer the question of whether candy corn is made with honey, let’s delve into its ingredients list. According to the National Confectioners Association, the primary ingredients of candy corn are:

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water
• Salt
• Vanilla flavor
• Artificial colors (yellow 5, orange 6, red 40)

Honey’s Absence

As you can see, honey is not listed among the ingredients. This confirms that candy corn is not made with honey.

The Origin of the Honey Myth

So, if candy corn doesn‘t contain honey, where did the myth originate? One possible explanation lies in the candy’s appearance. Its yellow, orange, and white stripes resemble the colors of honey, leading some to believe that it was an ingredient.

Another theory suggests that the myth arose from the candy’s sweet taste. Honey is known for its sugary sweetness, and candy corn’s similar flavor may have led some to associate the two.

The Sweet Truth

While candy corn may not contain honey, it remains a delicious and nostalgic treat. Its unique flavor and vibrant colors continue to bring joy to people of all ages.

Honey in Candy Making

Although candy corn itself does not contain honey, honey can be used as an ingredient in other types of candy. For example, honey is a common ingredient in honeycomb candy, a light and airy treat made from sugar, honey, and baking soda.

Honey vs. Corn Syrup

While honey and corn syrup are both sweeteners, they have different properties and flavors. Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees, while corn syrup is a manufactured sweetener made from cornstarch. Corn syrup is sweeter than honey and has a thinner consistency.

The Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has several health benefits, including:

• Antibacterial properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Antioxidant properties
• Wound healing properties

Summary: Sweetening the Truth

Candy corn, while not made with honey, remains a beloved sweet treat. The myth of its honey content is likely due to its appearance and flavor, but the truth is that this candy is made with sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors. Honey, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener with various health benefits. Understanding the differences between these two sweeteners can help you make informed choices about your candy consumption.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. What are the ingredients in candy corn?

Candy corn is made with sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, vanilla flavor, and artificial colors.

2. Why is candy corn not made with honey?

The ingredients list of candy corn does not include honey.

3. What is the origin of the myth that candy corn contains honey?

The myth may have arisen due to the candy’s resemblance to honey and its sweet taste.

4. Can honey be used as an ingredient in candy?

Yes, honey can be used as an ingredient in other types of candy, such as honeycomb candy.

5. What are the health benefits of honey?

Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties.